The Nigerian Military has refuted claims circulating on social media about an assault on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah and the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
In a press release issued by Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, Performing Deputy Director of Military Public Relations for the 8 Division in Sokoto, the Military described the Fb report as false and deceptive.
“The eye of the 8 Division of the Nigerian Military and Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, has been drawn to a deceptive social media put up.
“The put up falsely reported an armed assault on the residence of Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Bishop of the Sokoto Catholic Diocese, in addition to the Sokoto Catholic Cathedral.
“We categorically debunk these unfounded claims as there was no such assault in Sokoto State,” the assertion learn.
The Military emphasised that each the bishop’s residence and the cathedral stay safe, including that Bishop Kukah is presently finishing up his Easter duties with none disruption.
It additionally reassured residents that satisfactory safety preparations have been put in place to make sure a peaceable Easter celebration throughout the state.
The Military famous that it’s working carefully with different safety businesses to take care of security and stability.
In a associated response, the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto additionally dismissed the report as totally false.
In accordance with a press release by the Diocese’s Director of Communications, Pascal Salifu, the video linked to the declare started circulating after the killing of Deborah Yakubu in Might 2022.
“That is the work of individuals dedicated to inflicting havoc in society. We want to inform most of the people that the data is completely false. The Bishop’s residence, the Cathedral, and the Catholic Pastoral Centre in Sokoto stay protected, intact and absolutely operational,” the assertion mentioned.
The Diocese additionally shared Bishop Kukah’s Easter message, wishing residents a joyful and grace-filled celebration, and expressed appreciation to the navy and different safety businesses for his or her immediate response to the unfold of the false report.